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Robert Ballard Obituary
Husband of Diana Ballard of Dublin, CA; Father of James Patricia Ballard of Spokane, WA, Rendell John Smith of Felton, CA, Tracy Richard Morse of Santa Cruz, CA, Dina Michael Gazeley-Dray of Round Rock, TX, Robert Michelle Ballard of Henderson, NV, and Kelsey Ballard of Dublin, CA. Grandfather of Michael, Heather, Deanna, Emily, Sydney, Eric, Riley, Rick, Deenna, and Shawna. Also survived by 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
A native of Southern California, he resided in Santa Cruz, CA for 14 years and the last 20 years in Dublin, CA. A retired engineer with Pacific Bell where he worked for 35 years. With a love for driving, photography, computers, NASCAR, Fantasy Leagues including football and NASCAR, Bob spent much of his retired life doing computer consulting. Affectionately known as "Kelsey's Dad," Bob spent many hours volunteering at daughter Kelsey's school, Valley Christian School in Dublin, CA, where he was a familiar face on field trips, in the classroom, and coaching on the basketball court.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, February 10, 2006 at 4 P.M. at Valley Christian Center, 7500 Inspiration Drive, Dublin, CA. Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society 800-227-2345 or The Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randelman, NC, 27317.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ballard
Joe
February 11, 2006
I never knew Bob personally but remember his postings from the Kyle fan board. I remember him as a very enthused Nascar fan and a friendly SFL competitor. He will be missed.
To the whole Ballard family, I am truely sorry for your loss. God Speed Bob.
John Stricklen
February 9, 2006
Diana, so sorry for you loss. May God grant peace to you and yours. I remember Bob as being friendly, gruff and even kind. He was very professional and knowledgeable about his work. He was true to his friends. He will be missed, I'm sure.
Kelly Brown
February 8, 2006
Like some of the others I also met Dad/Bob through the John Andretti/Kyle Petty and Sports Fantasy Leagues web pages. Although we never met in person, he was a father figure to me on the boards. I will always remember the time I posted and called him "Dad", and then posted again to clairify he wasn't my real father and apologized. Dad's reply was it was OK, and he would be proud to have me as a "daughter". I can remember being surprised, yet that showed his character, he is one of nicest guys I have met through the leagues and he definately will be missed. I remember one of the last correspondences I had with him was asking if he would like to go to Long Beach or San Jose Grand Prix, since I can get passes through work. I was hoping we could meet up there, but it was not to be. Godspeed Dad.
Teresa (Trace)
February 7, 2006
I never was fortunate enough to meet Bob. Yet, I felt like I had known him for a long, long time. He was that kind of friend. He made you feel comfortable from the first hello. We first started talking when he made me mad with a post he made to the Kyle Petty Message Board a few years ago and he got my email addy to apologize. After the first email we were laughing like old friends. I always looked forward to hearing from Bob. He had the ability to make a bad day look half way good. And he would always have me smiling about something. We played in the Sports FAntasy League together and lots of days we would call and talk or email our thoughts on which team needed to do what. He was always a big help when I needed help. I will miss him tremendously. I already do. But I know he is with God and looking down on us right now and saying "OK you need to go on." I will race in the Fantasy League this year with a Petty Blue "Racing for Bob" sticker on my fantasy car. And Bob, I'll try and do my best just because you would want me to. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Bob, you was not only my mentor, my confidant, my competitor, but my friend. I miss you and I will never forget my CA friend who made me smile.
Jim Cantrell
February 7, 2006
I know Bob through the Sportsfantasyleague we played in together and then met him when he made a trip up to see my son race at Sonoma last year. Although I did not get to know him all that well he did make an impression on myself and my son after spending the day with him. May God be with the family during this tough period in time, and we are very thankful that we were able to meet the man behind the computer.
Since racing was our main contact point, we will be running a "in memory of" sticker on our race car at Irwindale Speedway California this year as my son competes in the Legend Car Series.
Jim and Connor Cantrell
Jim & Pat Ballard
February 7, 2006
A sad goodbye to a wonderful friend and dad.
We thank God for being able to be with you on your last week of your life.
We will have these wonderful memories of your smile and even a couple of pranks you played on us that gave us a giggle or two...after the fact.
Thank you for being the gread dad and friend that you were.
God, take good care of him until we meet again
Jim & Pat Ballard
February 7, 2006
A sad goodbye to a wonderful friend and dad.
We thank God for being able to be with you on your last week of your life.
We will have these wonderful memories of your smile and even a couple of pranks you played on us that gave us a giggle or two...after the fact.
Thank you for being the gread dad and friend that you were.
God, take good care of him until we meet again.
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